‘Is my baby malnourished?’ How do you know if your child is not receiving the right amount of nutrients?
According to the World Health Organization, infants under 6 months of age may suffer from severe acute malnutrition due to low birth weight and underlying chronic diseases. Sometimes, it can also be caused by poor breastfeeding practices.
Read on to learn the signs and symptoms to watch out for.
What is malnutrition?
Malnutrition is not just unintended weight loss. You can still be considered malnourished even if you’re overweight or of healthy weight.
Malnutrition is poor nutrition. It is a condition where your body doesn’t receive the right amount of nutrients. You’re either getting too much or not enough of certain nutrients. In the case of children, undernutrition is more prevalent.
Signs and symptoms of malnutrition in babies
Marasmus
This is characterized by a loss in muscles and fat. Your baby might have marasmus if you notice any hanging skin due to lack of body fat, as well as changes in their skin tone and hair loss.
Kwashiorkor
This is a condition where there is an excess of fluids in the child’s body. You may not think your baby is malnourished, because it can give the illusion of a healthy body. But look for tell-tale signs such as dark skin patches, brittle hair, and swelling in the stomach.
Edema is one of the symptoms of Kwashiorkor. This occurs when there is water retention in the tissues of the baby. Try pressing on their legs for about three seconds. Your baby has edema if you notice an indention where you have pressed.
Not growing longer or taller
While different children grow at different rates, he or she is expected to maintain an average growth rate. If not, this can be a sign of malnutrition.
Other symptoms
Symptoms of malnutrition in babies also include excessive crying, increased sensitivity to light, bleeding gums, bruises and rashes all over the skin, and vitamin deficiency.